1 September 2022, by John Ryan
When the sun’s shining and the skies are clear, nothing beats motoring through the towns of Corowa, Howlong and Mulwala Yarrawonga, North of the Murray. Alongside great shopping and places to eat and relax, you’ll find an impressive and ever-growing collection of public art. Our murals and sculptures complement the shopfront galleries and museums of our region; they’re sure to turn heads.
Our largest towns of Mulwala, Corowa and Howlong run west to east along the northern bank of Lake Mulwala and the Murray River. It’s an easy 50 minutes’ drive connecting all three towns, leaving plenty of time to walk around, explore, sample fresh local food and drink, and check out the surprising art along the way.
Historic Howlong sits on the river mid-way between Albury and Corowa. Make time for Howlong’s History Trail, a three-hour self-guided glimpse at the history of the region, but pay special attention to the murals in town.
Known simply as ‘God’s Country’, local artist Tracy Hancock has created a pair of evocative murals inspired by the iconic Murray River. Commissioned by local business owners who were struck by the power of silo art in other locations, Hancock’s piece is unmissable on the wall of the supermarket between Hawkins St and St Brigids Lane.
Corowa’s impressive collection of public art expands well beyond its reputation as the ‘birthplace of Australian Federation’. Centred on Sanger St in the heart of town, attractions include:
At the lakeside Apex Park, local street artist Samuel Hall has painted a beautiful two-part mural that pays homage to two important contributors to the region’s history. First is the White Bellied Sea Eagle, the native bird from which Mulwala (in the language of the Bangerang people) gets its name. Second is the no-nonsense depiction of the ‘mother of Mulwala’, Mary Jane Rose, a nurse and midwife who tended to three generations of locals from the 1860s.
Hall’s mural is surely a candidate for Australia’s most beautiful public toilet block!
Mulwala’s foreshore is also home to a work by prominent local sculptor Andrew Whitehead, opposite the Royal Mail Hotel. If only all bicycle racks looked this good: Fashioned from scrap metal, ‘King of the River’ pays tribute to the mercantile and natural history of the region. Who’s the king? The Murray Cod, of course.
Exploring the public murals and sculptures of our larger towns is a great way to see our vibrant communities in action. Next time you visit our region North of the Murray, take some time out to experience our history and heritage, reflected in our unique art.
